Although Florida is most famous for Orlando with its theme parks and white knuckle roller coasters, the most southern U.S. state has so much more to offer besides including over 3000km of sandy beaches, the alligator infested everglades, the fascinating Kennedy Space Centre and much more. Florida does nothing by halves and because there's so much to see, visitors come back year after year making it one of Britain's most popular holiday destinations. In fact, 1.5m Brits visit the sunshine state each year. The beautiful weather that graces Florida means that summer temperatures can rocket to the high 80°s, just beware of the hurricane season that runs from June to November.
Best for...
One visit to Florida is rarely enough because of the huge range of things to do and places to see from the pan handle in the north to the Florida Keys.
| One visit to Florida is rarely enough because of the huge range of things to do |
Orlando is by far the most popular of Florida's many attractions and a visit to the sunshine state isn't compete without experiencing the magic of Walt Disney Resort, Universal Studios and the other theme parks and water parks that fill the surrounding area. These alone will quite easily fill a two week holiday but if you're looking to venture further a field, there are the white sandy beaches on the Gulf Coast and pan handle, the 800 islands and swamp land that make up the Florida Keys and Everglades, the hustle and bustle of Miami and even the chance to experience a space shuttle launch at the Kennedy Space Centre.
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What to do...
Many visitors flock to Florida to spend their holiday in the bubble of the theme parks that make up Orlando and as a result, many stay in Disney resort hotels. These are ideal if you want to spend your holiday exploring the theme parks with many hotels just minutes from the gates of Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. There is so much to do for visitors of all ages at the parks that they can easily consume your entire holiday. Each Walt Disney Resort offers something different. The iconic Sleeping Beauty's castle greets visitors to Magic Kingdom which has a whole host of roller coasters, family rides and 3D shows with something for visitors of all ages. Animal Kingdom is a taste of Africa mixed with the traditional Disney atmosphere whilst Epcot and Hollywood Studios have more rides, parades and spectacular shows than is possible to see in one holiday. Aside from the Disney theme parks, some of Orlando's other top attractions include Universal Studios, Sea World and the water parks which include Disney's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon plus Wet 'n Wild.
Away from Orlando, one of Florida's most popular attractions is the Kennedy Space Centre, famous for its NASA missions and found on the Atlantic coast, just east of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Centre is a fascinating insight into the history of space exploration. One of the highlights of a visit here is to experience how it feels to be part of a shuttle launch in NASA's Shuttle Launch Experience which brings to life the incredible sights and sounds experienced by astronauts. You can also get up close with the Saturn 5 moon rocket, explore the International Space Station and even meet an astronaut. What's more, if you arrive at the right time of year, you might even be able to witness a shuttle launch first hand.
Further south, the Everglades National Park is a centre for endangered species and one of the best places to see the alligators and birds that make up the area. Here guides can take you on a once in a lifetime boat tour or walking trail through the swampland to experience the amazing pre-historic sites of the Everglades. Head further south to The Florida Keys stretch which 260km into the Gulf of Mexico to experience incredible diving and snorkeling. Coral reefs lie off the coast of Key Largo and are a great place to swim with dolphins, stingrays and other marine life.
Not everything in Florida is so high octane however. Stunning beaches line the Gulf Coast off Tampa Bay where you can find Clearwater and Saint Petersburg whereas the Atlantic coast is home to the world famous Daytona Beach. For some of Florida's most beautiful beaches, head to the area between Pensacola and Panama City on the northwest pan handle where the more secluded beaches can be found. Visitors looking for shopping and nightlife as well as stunning beaches should head south to Miami. Most attractions are within easy walking distance and Miami can prove to be a great family alternative to Orlando.
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